Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Clayola Gay Meffert, 78, of Shipman, Ill., formerly of Staunton, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born June 26, 1944, in Mason City, the daughter of the late Croftin Clay and Anna (Bastin) Wilham. Gay married Marvin Meffert on July 30, 1959, in Walnut Ridge, Ark. They celebrated 55 years of marriage prior to his death on June 5, 2015.

Gay enjoyed being a mother and grandmother, but she was equally involved as Marvin’s business partner, running several rental properties and farming. She had obtained her real estate license. Gay enjoyed drawing, sewing, and working outside. She attended Harmony Baptist Church and Emmanuel Baptist Church where she held various positions on staff as well as being involved with Vacation Bible School, teaching Sunday School, and singing in many cantatas.

Gay is survived by four sons, Rolland (Sarah) Meffert of Shipman, Lloyd (Deanna) Meffert of Cotter, Ark., Bruce (Jeralyn) Meffert of Higbee, Mo., Darrel (Carrie) Meffert of Sparland; 12 grandchildren, Valerie (Matt) Huebener, Keith (Anna) Meffert, Allison (Tyler) Stults, Andrew (Kimberly) Meffert, Abigail Meffert, Colleen Meffert, Zebediah Meffert, Cyrus Meffert, Hannah Meffert, Clayton Meffert, Jacob Meffert, Jerrod Meffert; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joy; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a niece, Joyce Jewell; two nephews, John and Dave Balla; brother-in-law, Albert Jewell; and sister-in-law, Millie (Danny) Balla.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville with Cliff Woodman officiating. Burial was in Shipman Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church. Condolences may be left online at http://www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com. Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton was in charge of arrangements.